Festival of Hope – ’50 most impactful social initiatives globally’

Festival of Hope Foundation, a registered NGO, proudly presented the 10th edition of the mega fundraiser celebrating the spirit & courage of cancer survivors. The brainchild of Shalini Vig Wadhwa, a recipient of the ‘Bharat Nirman Award’ and the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award’ for working on cancer eradication, Festival of Hope is a registered NGO that celebrates the spirit and courage of cancer survivors. It works towards the cause using the medium of fashion, art and design.

Shalini Vig Wadhwa wants each person battling the disease and the survivors to know that “Each day is a blessing. Live it and cherish it.“

The elite fundraiser was held on 21st March in association with the fashion guru JJ Valaya, who presented his royal collection titled ‘Ranas of Kachchh’. Almost a 100 Leaders of Hope walked the ramp to support this initiative. The fundraiser brought together close to 300 people in support of the noble cause.The evening kicked off with a heartwarming performance by destitute children rescued by Spread a Smile India, an initiative of Mehrasons Jewellers Charitable Trust.

Followed by the Leaders of Hope fashion show with JJ Valaya. Bollywood stars Angad Bedi and Nora Fatehi were the showstoppers of this glamorous evening.

Blossom Kochhar and her team were the grooming partners. Shilpy Jain from My Jewellery was the jewellery partner for this season. Paras Hospitals were the health partners who conducted an awareness program a day prior to the show.

The evening was be graced by the presence of Rajmata Mukut Rajya Lakshmi Devi of Jaisalmer as the chief guest. Other guest included Sanjeev Bijli, Sanjana Jon, Suhel Seth, Ajay and Sangita Mehra, Parineeta Sethi, Shailja Devi of Natures Treat and many more.

The event was co sponsored and supported by DLF Crest.  DLF is a well known name in the circles of luxury living and The Crest is yet another example of the DLF opulence. It effortlessly marries classic and modern design in timeless harmony. Needless to say, their patronage to the elite event of the Festival of Hope Foundation is not only fitting but also in line with the concept of incorporating social work within the luxury domain which is most capable of contributing substantial funds to make a difference. 

The evening concluded with a performance by the multitalented Vandana Vadhera and Kartik Chopra and a gala dinner on the lush DLF greens.

Other Partners included Glenlivet, Businessworld, Millionnaire Asia, Asia Spa, TMM, LaFiesta, Saks, Universal Mediaserv, Mediagraphix, ED Times and Whatsup Gurgaon.